Don't Forget... Episode 1

Laura took the time to write some thoughts down as reminders to herself when we returned to the states. we thought we would share, as it shows where our hearts have been and are...


Laura,

don't forget how much slower everything moved in Africa. when you were there, it may have started out as a frustrating African habit, but by the end of the summer, you realized that those times you had to wait ended up being time to spend growing in relationship with someone, or enjoying the scenery or a rich cup of coffee that you wouldn't have otherwise enjoyed. in the end, you were so glad for those times, and were able to see the value in taking your time.

don't forget the DELIBERATENESS you grew into through those forced times of patience. you have learned to take your time when you eat, to be present in the moment of a conversation, to notice the things around you, to enjoy moments as they are. Africa has taught you to be cognitive in the hours, minutes, seconds that you are physically in, rather than looking ahead to the next moment, and the next and the next, until you find yourself always living a sort of half-life, in between now and then and never really being anywhere that you might enjoy it.

so when you are late for work and the car in front of you is going the speed limit when you want to go five over, remember patience, remember deliberateness.
when you have a few minutes before you have to leave for something, don't waste them fidgeting and tapping your foot, be in that moment with enjoyment and find something to help you savor it.
when you are in conversation with someone, and there's so much going on around you and so many people to see and talk to, be present, aware, and listen as if they were the only person, and that is the only moment in time--they are worth it.
and when you find that life is a whirlwind and you cant quite keep up the pace, be conscious of your need for quiet, for unhurried-ness, and take a walk, or sit somewhere beautiful and let things slow to Africa speed again.

but even when you can't, know that things in America are inherently at break-neck speed, and the intentionality of time has to be a filter in your brain that you choose every day. no excuses, just stay aware and ask for help from the Maker of Time.

Sincerely,
Me (Laura)